Based on available data, about 12 percent of the population of the United States is receiving disability benefits. Workers may become disabled after being involved in an accident. Short-term disability would affect a person’s earning capacity. A long-term disability could impact a household greatly if the person affected is the breadwinner or sole earner.
Preparing for the worst
A person who becomes disabled from injuries or sickness would have to deal with the consequences of being dependent on others and losing livelihood. You may be young and healthy now, but if your work environment puts you at risk, you might find yourself one day talking to disability insurance lawyers in places like Los Angeles or wherever your workplace will be.
You have no way to predict how your days will unfold. You may be observing safety measures and practices, but accidents do happen and your luck might run out one day. It would be prudent to determine your risk for disability and prepare for the worst.
Common causes of permanent injury
The lasting effect of certain conditions could have dire consequences on a person’s life, as well as the entire household. For some injuries and illnesses, permanent changes in the body’s anatomy and/or function could influence a person’s capacity to do things for themselves.
Some of the most common types of permanent injuries workers are at risk for are burns, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, amputation, disfigurement, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Burns, amputation, and disfigurement may be consequent to workplace accidents involving fires, chemicals, and heavy machinery. Traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury may be associated with falls, direct trauma, or collision injuries.
Some injuries may not be as severe as the above-mentioned conditions, but they can lead to significant disability. Back injuries and loss of sensation from specific nerve injuries may not affect the whole body, but people suffering from severe dysfunction would be dependent on others for even the simplest tasks.
Qualifying for disability coverage
One of the first questions an injured worker asks is related to qualifying for disability. Usually, a period of at least one year of disability from impairments caused by an accident or illness is considered enough to qualify. Quick healing injuries, no matter how debilitating in the acute stage, would not qualify for long-term disability coverage. If an acute condition develops into an impairment that robs a person the ability to use a limb or perform daily activities, then this would be grounds for qualification for a long-term disability program.
Companies would have specific parameters for qualification to assist workers who are injured while on the job. At this time, you can make a more detailed inquiry on the disability coverage provided by your company.
Losing the capacity to work for your livelihood could have a devastating impact on your life and that of your family. There are a number of ways to get coverage. You may already have disability insurance provided by your company. All you need to do is determine the benefits and adopt additional measures if you feel you need more to secure your future and protect your loved ones.
